[Blogordie!] Interviewing the Photographer J. Beckham

New website coming March 2010* 

Motivation:

I’m obsessed with telling stories through photos so that is my initial motivation. I also want to bring people up with my photography.

Who or what influenced you to become a photographer?

I was influenced to become a photographer from skateboarding. I was always into filming and photographing skateboarders.

Where did you study photography?

I studied at Point Park University and Pittsburgh Filmmakers.

Why is Photography important to you?

I can tell stories without literally telling them. It also documents time and the memories I’ll have from photographing people are priceless.

Do you think that a person must possess talent to capture emotion and expression in a picture?

Yes I highly do.

Which one item of equipment would you say is the most important to you?

The camera is most important for sure. I started off with a Canon film camera and I had no lighting at all but I look back at the photos from that time and can appreciate them so much because they were all straight raw looking skateboard photos.

As an artist do you find yourself drifting away from one form of media to another, devoting your creative forces souly to the media at hand. Or do you try to divide up your time more equally?

I’m usually working on my own projects while working on magazine shoots, cover shoots, or a person portfolio. Sometimes I’m working on like four projects at a time while doing the editorial/commercial styled shoots.

How would you describe your overall style of photography? Will you include a mix of both candid and formal shots?

I love color and action so I try to make things pop out. I like telling people what to do haha but natural documentary style photos are cool to shoot as well.

Knowing what you know now how do you feel about seeing your first projects? Are things you would have done differently?

Actually no I wouldn’t change anything. When I work on something I do it and that’s the way I feel it should be left. I highly believe things happen for a reason and they should be done the way they are at the time.

You have been a very instrumental piece to the puzzle in Pittsburgh with all of your work, how do you feel you've impacted this city and what are your plans for the future?

I was blessed with working with people that I actually wanted to work with as far as models and musicians. There so many more I want to work with here as well. This city is pretty filled with amazing people and my mission is to show that as much as possible. I want to heavily get into doing videos again. I feel like this city is majorly on the rise. My plans after that are to come out with books. I’ve shot with a hand full of celebs and I’d like to become the next big celebrity photographer.  So incorporating celebs and a ton of people from Pittsburgh into a book is my dream. I also want to have more exhibits even if they are video exhibits like my project Exude.

Who are your influences?

David LaChapelle and Helmut Newton.

What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis?

I don’t know. I don’t really think of things as challenges…

What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

Probably musicians cause I can really tell stories with them.

What types of assignments are you attracted to most?

I really like doing clothing campaigns. I just did one for this company that’s going to launch in 2010 called BTP. The concept was really on point and it was an experience that I was kind of around growing up but it just felt like I was almost shooting a movie but with photographs. It was a really cool experience.

Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven't already?

Lady Gaga would be awesome. M.I.A. is my favorite female singer so definitely her. Nigo of A Bathing Ape. He’s like the king of culture in Japan. I’d like to shoot with Kanye West for sure because I feel like I relate to him on certain levels. I’d love to shoot for Louis Vuitton as well.

Is there anything that you would have done differently in your career and do you have any advice for others?

I’d love to travel more but I can’t really do that much without getting hired. I want a manager or agent so I can book bigger jobs for sure. My advice to others is to shoot what you love period. You will enjoy doing what you do way more.

WWW.JORDANBECKHAM.COM

www.myspace.com/jordanbeckhamphotography

The Reason Why...[Interview w/ Tip Tha Ill Spit]

To be, or not to be... The question that lies within the masses. If your not somebody, then you want to be something to talk about, and thats just what this young man has been doing. Making something out of nothing, with a highly rated [independent] video "Lame Again", making music with well known artists, and edging out his name in hip hop.

@Twitthaillspit
Age: 20 yrs young

• Motivation: My motivation for music in the beginning was rooted from hearing the radio and how music was moving..it didn't feel right..i didn't start really rapping until I was like 18, messed around wit it a little bit when I was 17..so I'm still wet behind the ears..but I put in a lot of work on my sound and craft. So my motivation now is to reach the level of success that I've set for myself and its high. But..No stress cause I progress.

• Let People know what's the name of your current project and how you came up with the idea...

              Before I say this, I want to say something..Ive had tapes that were supposed to drop, technical issues that have hindered that process. My current mixtape, set to drop *First Quarter-2010 will be titled "The Reason Why I'm Talking S--T" or "The Reason" for short. My ideology behind the idea for that is that its an old Ed Harris cover and it spoke to me. I mean sometimes in my bars, I say some confident even cocky things..I do.   With no previous tape..Do I reserve the right to have that "fly" talk? My Answer..Hell Yea! In 2 years,starting out mind you, I got a Jenesis Magazine Article, linked up some of the premier artist in Pittsburgh and the nation, and had one of the best music videos for an unsigned artist. All with No mixtape/album. Now finally, this is "The Reason Why I'm Talking S--T" 

• With all the new artists coming in and out the industry, where do you see yourself going?

              Like anyone doing this would want, I just want to become the best, if thats not your goal, your selling yourself short. Now as far as labels go, I want to reach my full potential. Whether independent or a major, my grind will always be the same. Artists come and go in this industry, some you hear about and some you don't. Local success ain't enough for me, so expect to hear about me.

• In your video "Lame Again" you depict yourself going through day to day things as well as your rap career, how hard would you say it is to earn your stripes in the rap game?

             Hmmm, this game..This game is dirty. You can't trust everybody. You can't work with everybody. It's cool to try and use the buddy system and all, but from a personal standpoint you have to PUT IN WORK. Everything you do PR, Style, Your words, Delivery, Interviews has to be on point. To earn your stripes you have to go to battle. Do what you need to do. I know a lot of people who rap, but a few who are acknowledged as rappers. Amongst my peers, Im not just TIP anymore..Im Tip tha ILL-SPIT and that lovely.

• How does it feel to be entering hip hop around the time where we as a people are dealing with recession and new problems, does any of that fuel your music?

            Most definitely, anybody who knows me knows I am very passionate about world affairs and world issues and the problems we all face. When others are "throwing shade" on it, I like to shed a little light. I don't delve to deep musically, but I will speak on it. Those aren't necessarily the marketable topics but you have to speak A truth, or your truth, so i touch on all things. I can only speak what I know.

• Can you tell everyone how you got linked up with East End Empire and how it is to be on a talented young roster?

             First of all, being with the East End Empire has been a blessing. I linked up with them through my ties with Franchise and Vintage Radio. I believe Fran went to a show of  Beedie's and Mac Miller's. They spoke, Fran and Vin did features on "How High" [Mac and Beedie's mixtape] then I was introduced to the whole crew and since then its been a beautiful partnership. Franchise is the one who really put me on, with out him a lot of this wouldn't be possible honestly.

• All artist that seem to gain the most exposure have some type of controversy fueling them, do you feel that it's expected to be the best or is it ok to just be the talented and not want to be the best?

             If we talking Beef..I don't like to pick fights but if push came to shove..I'd beef wit a rapper over wax. I would never do it as a publicity stunt..I'd much rather just grind. Play the game like a boss, "or like a volcano, let it boil..and then you blow." and I feel if you DON'T want to be the BEST, and like just get money or w.e. you alternative goal may be. You got it twisted, Fit in by standing out...Period!

          

 For Booking you can contact: wbkalson@gmail.com or QuentinC@fab5ent.com

• Twitter- www.twitter.com/twitthaillspit
• Mypsace - www.myspace.com/tipthaillspit
• Facebook - Search for me by Email here: TyroneCampbell23@gmail.com or TipThaILL-SPIT

Beans on The Freestyle (Interview Pt 1 & 2)

Check out my man @Beans on twitter!

"The Music"

The Questions

Queens-HipHop.com: Interview w/ TReY SonGz

Queens-HipHop.com's ILL LiLL catches up with one of the hottest R&B artist in the game today to poly it up for a few minutes.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8ElCufPIVw

Wiz Khalifa on HipHopAtLunch.com

DJ Envy Interview w/ Rick Ross Pt. 1 & 2

Rick Ross Interview Pt. 1

Rick Ross Interview Pt. 2

Funkmaster Flex Interview w/ Drake

Drake Interview

Drake Freestyle

Wait. Actually looks as if he didn't remember this one so iss off the phone, not off the head. Still sounded hot doe.

[BlogorDIE!] RP @ONDASPOT interview featuring Courtney Noelle

Download This: Courtney Noelle - Put You On.mp3

Motor: Ok Miss Courtney, when did you get into music?

Courtney Noelle: Well....When i was little about 6 or 7 my uncle taught me how to play guitar and sing the blues lol so i always was into it...but i never took it serious or thought that i could actually make a career out of it till about 3 years ago.

Motor: can u remember the first song u wrote?

CN: lmaooo yup...it was something about the monkey bars, lmao i was at westinghouse park and i used to play on the monkey bars with this boy and it was something like "i like you cause you can swing on the monkey bars for a long time, your like the sunshine etc. etc., lmaoooo but my first real song? had to be when i first moved to B-more. I lived next door to this guy who was in a male group something like Dru Hill and my mom would tell him...my daughter writes music, and he was like yea ok shes only 12 so i wrote something for his group and sung it to him and he was blown away....the song was so good i decided to keep it and now i perform it acappella its called "Over Again".

Motor: nice. In R&B there are probably more performing artists that don't write their own music, than those that do. So to be able to do it all yourself is a blessing, When did you decide that you wanted to become a performing artist?

CN: A family friend of mine was the VP or A&R for Universal Motown and when I was about 13 I went to sing for him....he was like yea but shes too young, her voice isnt strong enough, blah blah blah.....he was like you know...."Guys have to want to be with you, And girls have to want to be like you, and thats what makes a star" and I was like oh well thats me....ever since he kinda shut me down, I was like "Ok, I'ma show you," so i started writing for this girl in ATL and i was like forget this, Im keeping these songs, I'ma do this myself, I got what it takes and I could really be a Icon in this business if i grind so, thats what Im doing....and as for the A&R at universal....he went on to start his own label, heard my new music and signed me to his label in 08....IN HIS FACE!!!! BURR lmao.

Motor: LMAO, thass wassup, I know you've been in the studio, whose some of the people you've been working with?

CN: I've been working with the Trackmasters....they are also owners of the label, A guy named August from Canada (He's a MONSTER) and two other members of Trackmasters: FREQUENCY, and THE ARE...

I've been asked to do alot of features, and write some songs, hooks etc, for people but right now Im putting all my energy into my project,

I wil be in PGH next week(ending 28th of March) and I always hook up with artist up there too I LOVE PGH!!!...

Motor: you've worked Wiz, S Money, anyone else in the PGH?

CN: S.mullahhh lol reached out to me to do some stuff with his new female artist just recently, Owey has reached out, & ever since bankroll Ive gotten mad emails for hooks and features but S, and Wiz are close friends and Owey is cool!!so if its not them, and I don't have time. I usually cant get to it unfortunately, but Im always down if Im in town and I have time.

oh and Me and DJ DEEZ are cooking up something too lol

Motor: So can we expect a pre-album mixtape release?

CN: Ummmm.....Im not sure!!! I dont know if I want to put out a mixtape....Im going more towards a Euro pop/50's/electronica sound these days, and I dont know if i wanna come out with a mixtape, i think my album is ready to be put in stores and take off lmao....with the right marketing and promo...so i doubt a mixtape will come out.

Motor: awwwww! K, you got a couple bangers on your myspace, and one of the songs is titled "DO IT BETTER", if you had to name a celebrity that you could do it better than, who would it be?

CN: Lmao....wow...ummmm All of em!!! i think their all doing the same thing....I mean Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, they are my idols. I think they are the greatest no matter what, but all of them other R&B chicks....i dont have any remorse for, Im not coming for there spot but Im creating a new spot that's gonna out shine theirs.

Motor: What are you top 5 fav R&B albums (all-time)?

CN: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Dangerously in love, I cant pick just one MC album, Toni Braxton Libra....ummm dayum I know im fucking up right now cause i cant think str8...i looovvee and live by the best of Sade'

that was a tough question.

lol

Motor: So if you could model your album after 2 of your favorite albums what would they be & by who?

CN: ....cause to be honest i havent been impressed with albums that have been coming out...so

ummm....well the styles of my fav are different from mine...but i could say it might be like a Rhianna, Katy Perry, Beyonce type of album

Motor: yeah me neither (far as music as of late)

good choice

they all got sum hot music out right now

CN: i think it will be like 808's and Heartbreaks,/katy perry/beyonce/ sade lmao

Motor: lmao

CN: im gonna admit its gonna be a little all over the place

Motor: but you did abuse the question a lil. i said 2.

lol

CN: lmmaooo I know....

cause i love music and when you asked me my fave, a million and one things start running through my head

Motor: not a problem. you answered the question.

in your song Love U Down...

u say... "Stacks Stacks on deck, Tat Tats on his neck..."

anyone specifically that goes out to (the crush)?

LOL

CN: Lmaooooooooo WOOOOWWW...

Motor: aye, it is the ONDASPOT interview

Who does Ms Courtney Noelle secretly wanna Love Down?

CN: Ummmm. No not really just explaining the kind of guy I like...If you listen to Do It Better and Love U down its all about confidence and trying to find someone to match your confidence or swag as they say now Im a flirt so, When I see something I like I get it, Im not afraid to say "YOUR MY TYPE, I WANNA LOVE YOU DOWN, AND I THNK YOUR GIRL IS WACK I COULD DO IT BETTER YOU NEED TO GET WITH ME"

lol

and that was a safe answer It was written about someone but I'm not gonna put it on blast!!

good question by the way !!!

Motor: i love the segue !

lol Great answer, Can you tell me a little bit about yourself, for the fellaz, are you single, dating, and what type of guy are you looking for?

CN: Well I am single!!!! Usually the guys I'm attracted to are on the weird side, dudes who aren't in the music biz cant handle me, and the ones that are, we don't have time for each other in between studio sessions shows and meetings...so i'm not trying to find the median i'm just enjoying being single...usually i'm always boo'd up lol. Thats why my album is titled "LOVER GIRL" lol but right now I'm enjoying being 21 and single. I'm in love with making music, making money, and spending money lol.

Motor: would you like to speak on "LOVER GIRL" when can we expect to see it in stores and whats the first single?

CN: "LOVER GIRL" is about a young girl who has been in all kinds of relationships and the problems that come with it, and the good things that come with it too....I am like a LOVE advocate i think it is the most beautiful thing in the world.....so thats why i named it that. The album was suppose to come out in April 09 but im going through some things with my label (NO SUPRISE) and i also started to take the album in another direction musically so im recording everyday the first single is suppose to Candy, then Taking Control, then NO....

Motor: ur top 5 hottest celebs are?

CN: LIL WAYNE!!!!! JAY-Z!!!! BEYONCE!!! VICTORIA BECKHAM!!!! BRITNEY SPEARS!!

I like celebs that do it BIG

lol

Motor: do u have a release date for the album yet?

CN: nope not until the situation with my label is resolved

so i will keep ya posted.

Motor: k. would u be able to speak on that?

CN: yep!!!!

I came into my situation without a manager or any support so I was kinda thrown to the wolves. They were demanding alot of things from me, and weren't giving me what they were suppose to which is very common in this business, but im not gonna take whatever they give me just because its my first deal, im gonna fight for whats right....and what i deserve, I cant go into detail because of legal reasons but believe me it will be out in the public very soon.

Motor: u seem to have a good grip on the music biz, i'm glad we got to do this interview. And for everyone out there, any last words, comments, concerns?

CN: Suprisingly! I have learned alot from my peers who are in the business, I have alot of friends who are deep in the industry that give me advice so i try to learn from people who are extremely successful. im glad we did the interview too!!! as for last words....Stand up for yourself, Get what you Want, and Stay true to yourself and your people, and everything will work out in your favor...OH and everything is possible through GOD!!!! 

and i do have some concerns....STOP FOLLOWING FADS AND TRENDS...create new fads set new trends....EVERYONE WAS CREATED DIFFERENT FOR A REASON NOT TO DUPLICATE THE NEXT MAN.

[BlogorDIE!] Rick Ross on Semtex Tv

[BlogorDIE!] Charon Don interview w/Ballerstatus.com

Charon Don Interview

BallerStatus.com: I understand that you and DJ Huggy hooked up after leaving your respective crews, talk about that decision and why it worked best for both of you.

Charon Don: well actually Huggy and i have been together for ever since we were in a crew . We started out as a high school crew which grew into a hiphop group named "Justuce" in the late 90's. The crew consisted of myself alongside two other emcees and Huggy as the deejay. We got our names out and built a reputation by rocking consistent block parties and talent shows.Once we began to gain recognition another crew formed with three other artist alongside myself and Huggy remained the deejay. While building with this second group and putting out local albums and rocking a lot more shows our hunger and passion for HipHop grew. As time passed and friends slowed up Huggy and I kept producing and performing thus forming ChaRon Don and DjHuggy.

BallerStatus.com: What intially drew you to DJ Huggy? What was it about his music made you really want to work with him?

Charon Don: Initially what drew me to Huggy was his love and hunger for the craft of deejaying and producing. I mean, i respect and look up to any artist who has a genuine and unique style and way of expressing themselves musically. His music was always creative and soulful while maintaining a basement grittyness (probably because he was literally recording and producing in his basement). Not to mention he killed the tables everytime he scratched on them and his sound was just Dope!

BallerStatus.com: Ok, so you guys are from Pittsburgh, but Philly is basically the hub for music coming out of Philadelphia is the place best known from the state. Tell me a little about the scene and coming up in Pittsburgh. How much of a challenge is it to get noticed out there?

Charon Don: Life is a challenge. As an artist getting your "just do" is hard no matter where your from, it's always going to be a struggle because there are so many artist and musicians in the world all tryna get seen and heard. As far as Pittsburgh goes those who hate "hate hard" and those who love "show much love", so we experienced both sides of the field. Coming up we had artist play their instruments right outside of the venue that we were playing at while we were on stage as a form of disrespect. while another day people bring up cameras and markers for us to take pics and sign autographs. So the things we have and still experience make us strong and focused, yet keep us humble and grateful, for both fields have grew and taught us wisdom. For those who care enough to pay attention gaining recognition was not hard at all, it's almost like the city was waiting and more observant thru time.

BallerStatus.com: According to your bio, you self-released your first release, Mental Combustion, in 2001... Im guessing it was an out-the-trunk type grind. What was your experience like getting that album out there like that?

Charon Don: Hard work, but well worth it. I'm a firm believer that once the seed is planted other farmers with seeds will help in any way they can to spread and share space and opportunities so that everyones harvest will be beneficial. I watched how we did everything that was in our will and belief to do for that album and many doors and opportunities opened from our actions and good intention. From our manager at that time getting the material pressed up, to booking a tour with a group with much more experience and noteriety and traveling across the eastcoast we developed more and more and built our chemistry day in and day out.It was crazy how the people outside and inside of the state were taken to the music and live performance and from there we knew the value of what we were creating.

BallerStatus.com: How much of your local buzz did a part of you signing with Good Hands to put out this new record?

Charon Don: I feel as though our local buzz got us noticed while our passion and gifts gained us respect and love. We had a strong buzz which helped to push Dj B-Bonics to link Goodhands Records with us while we were out in philadelphia on this same low budget tour inwhich i was speaking on. So the label got to first hear how we get down on record and then see us in person rock the mic, this is the benefit and opportunity one can get only if they put in the work and grind. We never set out to get placed in the situations we were in but we continued to do what we loved and were consistent and open enough to come face to face with whatever might arise.

BallerStatus.com: Since that first album, you guys have collaborated with some underground staples like Chief Kamachi and Reef, while Huggy got production credits with some big acts. What's it like to move from a local act to being able to work with artists I'm sure you were a fan of?

Charon Don: It's both a blessing and learning experience. I'm grateful to get up with legends like Kamachi and Reef because they are authentic and untouchable in terms of what they are bringing to the game.We are A-Alikes who share the love and hunger for our culture and music so i feel honored to get with family whether their distant relatives or in the same household.

BallerStatus.com: Before we talk about your new album, explain how you were describe your music... for the people who haven't heard of you yet.

Charon Don: It's the voice of reality put onto grade A production.It's the balance of the worlds inwhich we live in. It's the doctrine of the people you see and live with everyday... a musical journey, on the real it's whatever you want it to be if your open enough to accept it.

BallerStatus.com: Ok, your latest album is titled The Art Of Life. What's the meaning behind that title?

Charon Don: Life is forever moving, vibrant, changing and growing. Therefore Handsdown is here to break down the science of that existence we call "life". Plus the title just had a ring to it.

BallerStatus.com: What's different with this album, compared to your release in 2001?

Charon Don: uhhh. how bout the quality of production. the maturity of the content and topics. My voice no longer sounds like a lil boy going through puberty using complex words and battle oriented punchlines and phrases (lol). you name it. We grew alot and experienced much after that release though all of it was very necessary. It just trips me out that people to this day come up to me and ask for copies and give testimonies on how much they love that first record.

BallerStatus.com: Music is a hard sell these days, so why should someone buy your album if they haven't heard of you or any of the music from it yet?

Charon Don: It's not what the majority of artist are creating. It's our story given to the listener therefore it was created with a different purpose and objective. Give chances before you form judgements because you never know what might be a benefit to you once you do give it a chance.

BallerStatus.com: What's going on with you, as far as the immediate future?

Charon Don:Continuing to promote the project, more shows. Hopefully a tour or two (hint, hint), the launch of handsdownmusic.com website, the release of three exclusive HandsDown music videos/mixtape and Dvd boxset. And that's just the immediate future (lol). Big up to Ballertstatus for the love and much love and respect to all future artist and fans of the music. peace.

[BlogorDIE!] Cam'Ron/TSS Interview

TSS: So Crime Pays, would you consider it a Dipset release?

Cam’ron: Yeah, of course! Everything I do is Dipset! I’m the founder of the company!

TSS: Yeah, I was reading what they were saying and it was more along the lines of they were still keeping the movement going strong without you.

Cam’ron: Who is “they?”

TSS: It was Juelz who was saying…

Cam’ron: Alright, let me tell you this TC so it makes sense to everybody. Let’s do the math: if somebody is telling me that I couldn’t be Dipset all the way, don’t you think it’s mighty peculiar that Juelz sets up Skull Gang or Jimmy got Byrd Gang? If they could tell me what’s good with Dipset, why would they need to do that? Freeky Zeeky got 730, that’s my man. So I’m just saying, why would they need all these companies if they could tell me what to do with Dipset? Don’t you think it would just be Dipset and Cam’s not a part of that? You can’t do that! I understand what Zeek is doing, he’s getting his company off the ground but the other ones, they can’t dictate what goes on in Dipset. I’m not dissing ‘em, I just telling you how it actually is.

But why would you have Skull Gang if you could tell me what to do with Dipset? It don’t make sense.

TSS: Understandable, but do you think Dipset is weakened by running in all these different lanes?

Cam’ron: Ya know, that’s a good question. I don’t know, tell you the truth. There was a time when it was like the South was running everything…and there was Dipset. Ya know what I’m saying? I don’t know right now, I’m back and I gotta test the waters and see how everybody’s feeling, but Dipset is a lifestyle, it’s just not a group. People wear what we wear, drink what we drink, smoke what we smoke — it’s not just a label. So when I get back out there, we’ll see.

TSS: I’m telling you firsthand, they took it and ran wild with it.

Cam’ron: (Laughs) Alright.

Full Interview Here

[BlogorDIE!] LBJ interview w/Magic Johnson

[BlogorDIE!] Wake Up World (interview w/ Pittsburgh/Philly Native Living Proof)

{Wake Up World!}

by Motor

Pittsburgh is becoming a widely range turf for music and entertainment, but everyone in Pittsburgh doesn't grind the same, some grind hard, others grind harder. This young brotha formed a talent into an art and he paints his pictures very clear.

M: So let everyone know where you from...

LP: I'm from Philadelphia, but i moved to Pittsburgh when I was around 18(1999).

M: Tell me about your music and how you got started.

LP: I went to Pitt for a while and got up with a couple cats, Bonics (KISS fm 96.1), J Flynt, Classic 1824, but the main people I linked with was Tribe.

M: What is your focus when your creating?

LP: well my main focus is to get some information out to the people - i pull from a lot of other artists, mainly 70's singers like marvin and bill withers, but my focus is to make something that will spark interest for the babies to learn and pick up a book consistently.


M: And i know your a poet, but everyone might not know, when did you start writing and observing poetry and how did your experience with that help you in becoming a artist?

LP: i started writing poetry when I was a freshman in college due to a creative writing class. It started out as separating my rhymes for the class, however the professor figured out I was into music and told me it wasnt enough just to get by - you gotta excel

M: Thats peace, now when you speak of the babies of the future, who do you mean?

LP: I mean anyone that is physically younger than me - whether it is my blood or not you know - I think we have a duty to keep information moving so that the babies won't be assed out in 20 years.

M: It's alot going on in the Pittsburgh communities as well as around the world, what are some of things that compell you to want to help make Change?

LP: just standard everyday living is under par in our communities you know...hell the dollar in squirrel hill is 7 or 8 to 1, meaning if I buy a pair of shoes at Littles for $100, it gets flipped 7 times. We as black people have an issue letting our brother borrow $5. This is the standard that everything should be measured by. This to me is Justice. we dont need a million cops patrolling our blocks. We can patrol the block ourselves. This is the basis for building a strong community and family structure.

M: You recently opened up for Wu Tang Clan, how did that come about and how was the experience?

LP: They had this crazy tryout which I really wasnt feeling due to my work schedule, however it was cool. I won that jawn and got to open up for Wu. I think there were about 3 other dudes too. I know my man Black Sun ripped it there as well. I say it was a good experience overall. It helped me to work on commanding the crowd, which is something I always strive to do. Although I didnt stay too long afterwards because I had to work in the morning, I heard that Wu ripped it...

M: so you didn't get to meet?

LP: I've met them before - I spent some time with Killa Army during that show - we (Classic 1824) have a good level of communication with them as well.

M: Who are some emcees you would want to collab with, and can you name some that you've already done music with?

LP: I've done music with a lot of Pgh emcees, such as Charon Don, Black Sun, Classic 1824, Underground, BZE, Ajaxx, EMS, Shawn Miles, and a lot more. I would say, if I had a choice of who to do music with industry-wise, probably somebody like Black Thought, possibly Nas, Saigon, Jada, you know some real heavy hitters.

M: Mos Def????

LP: of course of course - its just too many to name - u already know how I see Black Star.

M: How do you feel about the state of record sales & music downloads, Do you think they can co-exist?

LP: They both have the ability to coexist, but its like a build and destroy type of thing - its more of a technology base - society now. So alot of things are gonna be leaked, alot of people are going to download music based on the ability of technology and information they can get, however, I still believe in gettin real music and supporting artists, just in general as far as a foundation of what their doing. U know, as far as like the real, real, mainstream cats, they don't have to worry about it that much.

M: FaSho!
I don't know if i asked before, but what project(s) do you have coming up/ or that are out already that your promoting?

LP: well the big boy is comin - Heaven on Earth the full length album due late this year - possibly early next year. however im gonna drop another mixtape for the people in a few months - I've gotten a lot of support lately and it is appreciated.

M: How can someone get at you for performances, collabs, etc?

LP: Living Proofe Youtube, Living Proofe Myspace, Reverbnation

M: And last but not least, the topic of today's discussion...the new video you got titled Wake Up World....
the lyrics are bonkers, you really hit every line on the head...can you speak on how that came about?

LP:
that is gonna be the first track on the new mixtape - i needed to make something new with a little twist because that was how I was feeling - it is how I have been feeling - it is time for a change for the better and sometimes you got to point out some issues that people dont normally think about- so i'm tellin the world to wake up - your life is what you make it - so make it something good.